The security debate lies at the heart of political theory and practice at state, regional and world levels. Setting out the problem of security and placing it in an historical framework, Agostinho Zacarias picks his way through the complexities of political theory and the tangled political history of Southern Africa with great clarity. He argues that the present formation of states has been shaped by the struggle of the African peoples for emancipation and the resistance of the (European) settler communities, and that South Africa has attempted to maintain regional order based on principles of domination, exploitation and inequality, founded on a colonial past and apartheid. Zacarias explores the concept of ""people-centered"" security and the ""legitimate state,"" and regards these as essential building blocks in ensuring state and regional stability and security.